I know that I’ve been a bad bloggerina when Mr. Magpie emails me and asks: “Where is Mrs. Magpie? We miss her blog.” Pout. I was in Boston the majority of last week, where I was attending a work conference, getting lots done, networking my little tuchus off, and every now and then, wondering why there were so many ill-fitting suits amongst fellow conference attendees. Ahem. I get the fact that we need to look professional and presentable, but why does that need to be boring? I’ve been wearing my favorite work-appropriate Milly and Diane Von Furstenberg numbers with heels that are admittedly a touch on the high side for this staid audience, and have actually enjoyed getting dressed every morning…I hate to be snarky. And I know that fashion is not a high priority for lots of successful business women, nor need it be. I get that sometimes a loud outfit can distract or confuse, and that in certain cases, you want to telegraph a certain amount of seriousness via your carriage and the outfit you don. But what a drab melange of browns and grays, gag-worthy 1.5″ chunky heels, and awkward laptop bags. Yuck central. I’d strongly suggest a trim dress along the lines of this DVF wonder (perfect, season-less investment piece! — $400, Net-A-Porter) with some classic pearl enorma-studs (KJL, $51, Thomas Laine):
I like this with pearls — but try something with a little edge, like this neon citrine yellow-accented pearl tassel necklace ($195, Rebecca Taylor) and this chartreuse-and-camel purse ($240, Beckley Boutique):
Keeping in the same, au-courant color palette of chartreuse and nude/neutral, consider this statement blouse (Gucci, $690, Net-A-Porter) with a simple, versatile camel pencil skirt (Max Mara, $237, Matches) and some drops ($68, Nordstrom):
Finish with a structured tote (this goes perfectly! — Reed Krakoff, $1,090, Nordstrom) and these statement-making Carven heels ($665, Net-A-Porter):
If I had unlimited funds, I would just go for it. Look polished and presentable but also dress like you know what you’re doing. If we’re really talking dreams, can you imagine this bananas pink boxy top ($580, Net-A-Porter) with some fit and flare white trousers ($255, Barney’s — and PSST, these trousers are from Derek Lam’s spinoff line, 10 Crosby, which is overall lovable) and a Suzannai Dai stunner ($365, Suzanna Dai)?!
A pointy toed pump is the perfect accent-piece in any neutral shade — blush pink, dove gray, etc. {This Kate Spade pair is perfect.} But if we’re really talking big dreams, I gotta have the Valentino rockstuds ($919, MyTheresa) and this simple, structured Victoria Beckham tote (no idea why the price is so ridonculous, but from a purely aesthetic standpoint, it is a lovely bag — $2,700, Net-A-Porter):
Or — loving the idea of a nude blouse ($260, Net-A-Porter) beneath a crisp white blazer (Rag + Bone, $535, Barney’s) and some shocking pink tailored pants (DVF, $285, Shopbop):
I’d finish with these TDF Louboutins (on super sale for around $400, Ekseption) and a crisp white carry-all ($575, Barney’s):
Alternately, take things to a nautical place with some fun flower earrings (Kate Spade, $58, Nordstrom), this amazing necklace ($395, Ben-Amun), this silken dream (on sale for $225, Rebecca Taylor):
I’d finish with some statement heels (O.M.G. — Charlotte Olympia, $875, Net-A-Porter) and this printed tote (Pierre Hardy, $850, Net-A-Porter — very Goyard-like!):
If you’re looking for some investment accessories that can add interest and polish to your work wardrobe, consider these to-die-for vintage Chanel drops ($598, Farfetch), which go with an.y.thing or these open-woven flats (Marc Jacobs, $392, Forzieri):
A winner will be announced this Thursday! WOO!